PATRICK-MURRAY ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCES OVER 2 MILLION DOLLARS TO TRAIN 3,000 WORKERS AND CREATE OVER 200 NEW JOBS

The Patrick-Murray Administration today announced $2,100,224 in Workforce Training Fund grants to 28 Massachusetts companies. The grants, which support up to two years of training, will create over 200 new jobs and train nearly 3,000 workers.

“We are focused on addressing the skills gap issue in the Commonwealth so that workers can compete in today’s ever-changing jobs market,” said Governor Deval Patrick. “The Workforce Training Fund focuses on the needs of both our businesses and workers, as Massachusetts continues to lead the nation in economic recovery.”

“It’s great to see the Workforce Training Fund programs back in full operation, with assured funding,” said Richard C. Lord, President and CEO of Associated Industries of Massachusetts. “Employers of all sizes across the state are seeking improved productivity, and these grant programs are proven resources for advancing workforce skills.”

The companies are located in twenty-three towns across the Commonwealth, and employee trainings will cut across a variety of sectors helping engineers, lean manufacturing, suppliers, trades, and food services.

“The Workforce Training Fund continues to provide Massachusetts companies with the right resources to train employees and build a stronger and more effective workforce,” said Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray. “The program is another tool in the toolbox for businesses, and we look forward to seeing this funding support new jobs, increased work capacity, and business growth in regions across the Commonwealth.”

“We are committed to providing training to new and incumbent workers so that they develop the skill sets and expertise necessary for sustainable jobs that are in demand by Massachusetts employers,” said Joanne F. Goldstein, Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development. “We welcome future applications from employers who recognize the value of training, at all levels, and propose training programs that enhance their business and upgrade the Massachusetts workforce.”

The fiscal year 2012 budget established the Workforce Training Fund as a trust fund, allowing for collection and disbursement of funds as needed by businesses, rather than on an annual appropriation cycle.

“Businesses are welcome to contact us about grant workshops held across the Commonwealth to help educate businesses about this excellent resource,” said President and CEO of the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development’s Commonwealth Corporation Nancy Snyder. “We are delighted to see consortiums applying for grants together to fill needs that help a variety of workers.”

The following is a complete list of Workforce Training Fund General Program Grant Recipients (listed by city/town):

Ashland

Lentros Engineering, Inc., $25,220 awarded, 41 employees to be trained, and two additional jobs are expected to be created as the result of this project.

Bellingham

Dunkin’ Donuts Northeast Distribution Center Inc., $167,620 awarded. 388 employees to be trained and 34 additional jobs are expected to be created as the result of this project.

Beverly

Electric Insurance Company, $95,000 awarded. 283 employees to be trained and 30 additional jobs are expected to be created as the result of this project.

Boston

City Of Boston Credit Union, $58,825 awarded. 51 employees to be trained and 5 new jobs expected to be created as a result of training.

Eascare Ambulance Service LLC, $130,935 awarded. 544 employees to be trained and 10 additional jobs are expected to be created as the result of this project.

LACERTA GROUP INC., $49,500 awarded. 78 employees to be trained, 17 additional jobs are expected to be created as the result of this project.

Millbury

Stellar Industries Corp., $32,640 awarded. 42 employees to be trained, 2 additional jobs are expected to be created as the result of this project.

New Bedford

Five Star Surgical, Inc., $72,900 awarded. 35 employees to be trained, 2 additional jobs are expected to be created as the result of this project.

North Andover

Network Allies, LLC, $37,245 awarded. 24 employees to be trained, 5 additional jobs are expected to be created as the result of this project.

Northborough

Steris Isomedix, Inc., $47,000 awarded . 40 employees to be trained, 6 additional jobs are expected to be created as the result of this project.

Salem

Jacqueline’s Wholesale Bakery Inc. (DBA Jacqueline’s Gourmet Cookies), $100,650 awarded. 73 employees to be trained, 13 new jobs are expected to be created as a result of training.

Taunton

Emond Plumbing and Heating Inc., $97,536 awarded. 110 employees to be trained, 15 additional jobs are expected to be created as the result of this project.

Walpole

Rolls Royce Naval Marine, $107,053 awarded. 142 employees to be trained, 10 new jobs are expected to be created as a result of training.

Westfield

Bern Optics, Inc., $82,500 awarded. 46 employees to be trained, 5 additional jobs are expected to be created as the result of this project.

Westford

MCS Laser Services Inc., $61,200 awarded. 32 employees to be trained, 4 additional jobs are expected to be created as the result of this project.

Weymouth

Enterprise Equipment Co. Inc., $34,720 awarded. 30 employees to be trained, 2 additional jobs are expected to be created as the result of this project.

Worcester

Central Massachusetts Workforce Investment Board (leading Southern Worcester Manufacturing Collaborative), $103,675 awarded. 115 employees to be trained (consortium grant involving 5 companies),12 additional jobs are expected to be created as the result of this project.

Rand Whitney Packaging LLC, $73,350 awarded. 42 employees to be trained, 10 new jobs are expected to be created as a result of training.

ABOUT THE WORKFORCE TRAINING FUND

Under the Patrick-Murray Administration, $68.66 million has been used to train approximately 90,000 Massachusetts workers at more than 2,750 companies since 2007. Financed entirely by Massachusetts employers, the Workforce Training Fund provides resources to Massachusetts businesses to train current and newly hired employees. The Fund is an economical way for organizations to build workers’ skills; employers may apply for grants of up to $25,000 for technical assistance programs, or they may apply for grants of up to $250,000 for full training programs. Training programs may last up to two years.